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How to wash a cashmere scarf

Kaitlin Meilert Updated March 23, 2017

The wool used to make soft, luxurious cashmere clothing comes from the Cashmere goat. Although Cashmere goats are sheared for their hair in such regions of the world as New Zealand, Australia and Iran, cashmere sweaters and scarves are typically made from the goats' naturally-shed hair, collected during their moulting season. The scarves made from this type of wool remain the most warm, long-lasting, and expensive and call for extreme care. Care instructions on the tags of cashmere clothing usually read "dry clean only." However, delicate cashmere scarves require gentle care and cleaning to maintain their soft, long-lasting quality. Hand wash your cashmere scarves for the safest care.

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Hand wash your cashmere scarf in lukewarm water using mild detergent, baby shampoo or soap flakes. Do not use fabric softener, bleach or a detergent containing bleach.

Soak the scarf in lukewarm water for five minutes.

Rinse the scarf in lukewarm water several times. Do not wring the scarf.

Roll the scarf up in a towel to remove excess water. Use a second towel if the first becomes too damp and if you still need to remove excess water.

Lay the scarf flat on a fresh towel to dry. Do not hang the scarf to dry, as this will cause the fabric to stretch and lose its shape. Keep the scarf away from heat and sunlight while drying.

Tip

Hand wash an older cashmere scarf first, rather than a newer or favourite scarf. Do not twist, wring or rub the scarf to remove excess water. Do not store your clean cashmere scarf by hanging it up. Fold and place flat in a dresser drawer. Always clean your cashmere scarf before storing it and place lavender sachets or cedar chips/blocks wherever you store the clean scarf. This will keep moths away.

Warning

Do not wash cashmere scarves in a washing machine. This will distort the fabric and ruin your scarves. Cashmere scarves may lose their shape if you do not properly hand wash them.

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Things You'll Need

Mild detergent

References

About the Author

Kaitlin Meilert has been writing since 2006. Her articles have appeared in "Reality Check Girl Magazine," "Hilltop Views" and the "Statesman." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English writing and rhetoric from St. Edward's University.